EBT: Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Treatment
Electron beam therapy (EBT) is a highly targeted, non‑surgical radiation therapy used to treat select skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
At Water’s Edge Dermatology, we are one of the few dermatology practices in Florida offering electron beam therapy as an alternative to surgery for patients who may not be ideal candidates for Mohs surgery or who prefer a non‑surgical treatment option. EBT is especially effective for skin cancers located on delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas such as the nose, ears, eyelids, lips, and face.
Dr. David Herold, a board-certified radiation oncologist at Water’s Edge Dermatology, recommends electron beam therapy in circumstances where Mohs surgery can prove challenging and for patients who desire or prefer a non-surgical treatment option.
Skin Cancers Treated with Electron Beam Therapy
Electron beam therapy may be recommended for certain non‑melanoma skin cancers, including:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) – including superficial and nodular BCCs
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – including invasive squamous cell carcinoma in select cases
- Skin cancers arising from actinic keratosis that have progressed or are at high risk
Treatment recommendations are based on the size, depth, location, and pathology of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and treatment goals.
Benefits of Electron Beam Therapy for Skin Cancer
Compared to traditional surgery, electron beam therapy offers an effective, non‑invasive approach for appropriately selected skin cancers, particularly when cosmetic outcome and tissue preservation are priorities.
- 90% to 98% cure rate, depending on location
- Little or no discomfort during treatment
- Each treatment lasts less than five minutes
- Side effects are limited to the treatment site, usually involving gradual development of skin irritation, redness or “sunburn” that gradually dissipates after completing treatment
- Cosmetically satisfying results, with minimal or no scarring
Learn more about how EBT works in another video of Dr. Herold.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Electron Beam Therapy?
Electron beam therapy may be recommended for patients who:
- Have basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer in areas where surgery may be difficult
- Have tumors on the face, nose, ears, eyelids, or lips
- Are not ideal candidates for surgery due to medical conditions
- Prefer a non‑surgical skin cancer treatment
- Have recurrent skin cancer after previous treatment
A consultation and evaluation by our dermatology and radiation oncology specialists is required to determine whether EBT is the most appropriate treatment option.
Our Electron Beam Therapy Locations in Florida
Water’s Edge Dermatology offers electron beam therapy at select Florida locations. Patients searching for electron beam therapy near me can receive care at the following offices:
Meet our Electron Beam Therapy Specialists
Electron Beam Therapy FAQs
Cancer cells, unlike normal healthy cells, have a reduced ability to repair damage from electron beam treatment. The electron beam is created by a computer-controlled medical linear accelerator that produces a pure therapy beam that is customized to the cancer site.
Unlike older technologies that use penetrating X-rays or strong, high-dose radioactive sources, the electron beam system used at Water’s Edge Dermatology protects healthy tissues. It works by delivering a series of small electron beam treatments to the cancer site that destroy cancer cells but allow healthy cells to heal.
Superficial electron beam treatment is very effective at destroying both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Most of the published studies report cure rates ranging from 90% to 98%. However, many factors can affect the likelihood of cure, including the cancer size and location, the subtype of histology, if the cancer was treated previously, etc.
Water’s Edge Dermatology offers electron beam therapy (EBT) at the following locations in Florida:
The total length of treatment time depends on several factors, including the size and location of the cancer and the overall desired cosmetic outcome. Most patients complete treatment in 10 to 30 sessions, each lasting less than five minutes. The longer treatment courses tend to deliver better cosmetic results. Throughout the course of treatment, normal everyday activities can be continued, including work and sports. There are no restrictions or limitations.
Side effects are limited to the treatment site. The type of side effects experienced depends on the size and location of the cancer and the length of treatment. In general, most patients gradually develop skin irritation or a sunburn-like redness in the treatment area. Prescription creams or lotions are available to help the healing process. Side effects do not usually begin until the second or third week of treatment and peak a few days after treatment is completed. Then, over the course of two to four weeks, the side effects gradually dissipate. You may lose hair at the treatment site, which might not grow back. There may be subtle lightening of the skin in the treatment area or the development of small spider veins years later. However, most patients are very pleased with their treatment results.
Electron beam therapy is a medically accepted form of treatment for skin cancer. It is covered by Medicare and most major insurance carriers. Our billing specialists can confirm your insurance benefits to determine any out-of-pocket expenses you may incur with this treatment.
EBT Before + After Photos
